Your resume is often the first point of contact between you and a potential employer. It’s your chance to make a powerful first impression and showcase your skills and capabilities. However, with hundreds or even thousands of other applicants competing for the same position, it can be difficult to make your application stand out.
To help you make a strong impression and increase your chances of landing the job, we’ve collected a list of resume tips to help you make your application stand out to employers.
- Customize Your Resume for Each Job – One of the most important things you can do to make your application stand out is to tailor your resume to the exact job you’re applying for. Use the job description to identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for, and make sure your resume highlights your experience in these areas.
- Use Keywords – Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords that fit the job description. To increase your chances of getting past this initial screening, use keywords that match the job description throughout your resume.
- Keep it Brief – Your resume should be easy to read and should highlight your key skills and accomplishments in a concise and clear manner. Stick to one or two pages, and use bullet points to make your information easy to scan.
- Highlight Your Achievements – Instead of simply listing your job duties, focus on your accomplishments in each position. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you added value to the company and the results you achieved.
- Use Action Verbs – Start each bullet point with an action verb that describes what you accomplished. For example, instead of saying “responsible for managing a team,” say “led a team of 10 employees and increased productivity by 20%.”
- Include Relevant Experience – While it’s important to highlight your most recent experience, don’t overlook relevant experience from earlier in your career. If you have an experience that is directly relevant to the job you’re applying for, include it on your resume.
- Highlight Your Education – If you have relevant education or certifications, make sure to highlight them on your resume. This can help show employers that you have the necessary qualifications for the job.
- Use a Professional Format – Your resume should be easy to read and should use a professional format. Avoid using fancy fonts or graphics, and use a clean and simple design that is easy to scan.
- Proofread – Before presenting your resume, make sure to proofread it for errors and typos. Have a friend or family member read it over as well, as a fresh pair of eyes can often catch mistakes that you may have missed.
By following these resume tips, you can make your application stand out to employers and increase your chances of landing the job. Remember to customize your resume for each job, highlight your accomplishments, and use keywords and action verbs to make your information easy to scan. With a powerful and well-crafted resume, you can make a lasting impression on potential employers and move one step closer to your dream job.